Count Trials All Joy James 1:2

As James began his letter to “the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad”, he greeted them and proceeded to give them instructions concerning “trials”. In chapter one and verse two of his letter, James told his readers to “count it all joy” when they encounter “trials” where we read:

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations;

The verse begins, “My brethren, count it all joy...” James began with the words, “My brethren” or “James' fellow believers and countrymen”, “count it all” which means “rule, have authority over, consider, deem, account and think each, every, any, the whole, everyone and all things collectively” “joy” or “gladness, cheerfulness and calm delight”. James directed his “fellow countrymen” to recon everything they encounter with “gladness and calm delight”.

The verse goes on to say, “...when you fall into divers temptations;” James continued, “when you fall” or “whenever, as long as and as soon as his readers were encompassed and surrounded” “into divers” which means “various, variegated and manifold” “temptations” or “trials, experiments, attempts and proving”. Whenever James' reader encountered “trials and proving times”, they were to experience them with “cheerful” hearts and minds.

When we think through these words of James, we may find this a very difficult verse not only to understand, but also to obey. We must remember the Holy Spirit inspired James to write these words, and whenever He gives a directive, He also supplies the ability to do what He commands. Those who know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior are no more exempt from “trials” and “temptations” than the most evil person in the world. These “testings” are from the Lord, and they are not to let Him know how we are doing, but rather for us to know the maturity of our walk with Him. Let us read, study, meditate and ask for the Lord's help to “count it all joy” when we are tried.

Next time James tells his readers how“the trying of your faith works patience”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.